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...Kinda.
[He shrugs.]
It's pretty lonely out there, honestly. Sometimes you run into schools of aquatic monsterkind, but most of the time they don't speak the same language. Plus, I'm an apex predator, so I'm not always given the warmest welcome.
But! It's the best fresh fish I've caught with my own hands.
[Always the silver lining.]
I'm just a city boy. Kraken are meant to be solitary--but I just can't stand being stranded.
[That's not to say his genetic disposition is entirely void. He's fairly secretive, only social when the mood strikes, and likes to have plenty of time to himself.]
[He shrugs.]
It's pretty lonely out there, honestly. Sometimes you run into schools of aquatic monsterkind, but most of the time they don't speak the same language. Plus, I'm an apex predator, so I'm not always given the warmest welcome.
But! It's the best fresh fish I've caught with my own hands.
[Always the silver lining.]
I'm just a city boy. Kraken are meant to be solitary--but I just can't stand being stranded.
[That's not to say his genetic disposition is entirely void. He's fairly secretive, only social when the mood strikes, and likes to have plenty of time to himself.]
Edited 2016-03-13 17:37 (UTC)
[He feels bad about it, too. Which is why, despite his hunger, he puts the pizza away in the oven to stay warm while she bathes, because he's not going to eat without her. Instead, he picks up an extra towel for her hair and her aforementioned pajamas--figuring she's going to stay the night--and leaves them on a plastic tray just outside of the bathroom door for her to pick up at her leisure.
When he does, though, he peeks his head in.]
Want me to mix a drink for you?
[She should be pretty familiar with what he keeps in inventory by now!]
When he does, though, he peeks his head in.]
Want me to mix a drink for you?
[She should be pretty familiar with what he keeps in inventory by now!]
[Frankly the privacy does her good - it keeps her from snapping at him for reasons that aren't his fault, it gives her time to decompress a little. It's a strange thing, to need to be near him without immediately talking, to be comforted by his presence without the physicality that often goes with it. Maybe it's actually a good thing and she'll put better words to it later on, but when he sticks his head the smile she gives him is far more genuine. It might also look a bit funny since she's got her sudsy fingers in her hair.]
I think I'm supposed to be taking care of you. [Not the other way around. But, still.] Vodka hiding in the form of a White Russian?
[Hell she might just drink the whole bottle of vodka and leave it at that.]
I think I'm supposed to be taking care of you. [Not the other way around. But, still.] Vodka hiding in the form of a White Russian?
[Hell she might just drink the whole bottle of vodka and leave it at that.]
So I guess you won't be bringing back any snapshots of Atlantis, then.
[What a bad joke. And before she can do much worse their order is ready! It is, in fact, shouted quite loudly despite the fact that there's maybe six people in the place, total. Nariko gets their tray for them both and tilts her head towards the booth she'd been eyeing earlier, and takes her time getting them both there.]
That's the best of both worlds, right? Socializing is great but everyone needs their quiet time.
[This is, in many ways, is a little bit of a defining question. One of the issues she's had overall is that distinction, the need for privacy without strangling emotional intimacy. Chris had always taken it so personal when she wanted to do something as basic as go see a movie on her own every so often.]
[What a bad joke. And before she can do much worse their order is ready! It is, in fact, shouted quite loudly despite the fact that there's maybe six people in the place, total. Nariko gets their tray for them both and tilts her head towards the booth she'd been eyeing earlier, and takes her time getting them both there.]
That's the best of both worlds, right? Socializing is great but everyone needs their quiet time.
[This is, in many ways, is a little bit of a defining question. One of the issues she's had overall is that distinction, the need for privacy without strangling emotional intimacy. Chris had always taken it so personal when she wanted to do something as basic as go see a movie on her own every so often.]
[Boxer kinda gets the feeling that he shouldn't impose on her right now. He couldn't articulate why, specifically, just a feeling in his gut.]
Coming right up.
[And with that, he leaves her alone to process, whatever that might actually entail. Funny or not, he's not laughing.
He has a heavy hand, after all, and not just in a literal sense; he mixes just the right drink for her in a tall glass, and he keeps it by his bottle of rum next to the couch for her to pick up when she wants it.]
Coming right up.
[And with that, he leaves her alone to process, whatever that might actually entail. Funny or not, he's not laughing.
He has a heavy hand, after all, and not just in a literal sense; he mixes just the right drink for her in a tall glass, and he keeps it by his bottle of rum next to the couch for her to pick up when she wants it.]
gmail needs to stop stacking emails weirdly and not sending me the notif for this thread
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gunslingerqueen
2016-03-14 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
[It's really dumb of her but that makes her giggle for just a second - his response brings back the Girlfriend Pout.]
I know! [It doesn't make sense for him to have a uniform or whatever.]
But girls attempting to be as hot as me while wearing bikinis aren't always around your incredibly hot self! [It's only part of the time, since she doesn't think he spends all his time chilling on the boats that pass through their cities waters.]
I know! [It doesn't make sense for him to have a uniform or whatever.]
But girls attempting to be as hot as me while wearing bikinis aren't always around your incredibly hot self! [It's only part of the time, since she doesn't think he spends all his time chilling on the boats that pass through their cities waters.]
Heh. If only.
[He likes her bad jokes, to be honest.]
You'd think! But there are some people who have to constantly surround themselves in social atmosphere, and others who can't even stand the thought of talking to someone else. I couldn't stand one without the other.
[If she's with Boxer, she'll have plenty of opportunity to go to the movies by her sexy little self, provided she gives him the opportunity to do the same.
He digs into his sandwich without hesitation. It doesn't take long for the jury to come back.]
Mmmmn!
[That's Fullmouthan for "I am satisfied with my sandwich choice".]
[He likes her bad jokes, to be honest.]
You'd think! But there are some people who have to constantly surround themselves in social atmosphere, and others who can't even stand the thought of talking to someone else. I couldn't stand one without the other.
[If she's with Boxer, she'll have plenty of opportunity to go to the movies by her sexy little self, provided she gives him the opportunity to do the same.
He digs into his sandwich without hesitation. It doesn't take long for the jury to come back.]
Mmmmn!
[That's Fullmouthan for "I am satisfied with my sandwich choice".]
[When she's pretty damn positive that the entirety of the smell is off of her body and hair she turns the water off and ... The sight of her pajamas and the extra towel is nice. She has a really nice boyfriend. Given another few minutes Nariko comes back, and though she doesn't want to be she's a little cautious about stepping near him.]
Better?
[She washed six times as opposed to the usual three, it has to be gone.]
Better?
[She washed six times as opposed to the usual three, it has to be gone.]
[She's starting with her soup first which gives her a front row seat to his reaction and she can't help giggling - thankfully it's not mean spirited in the least.]
I think I love how almost in love you are with that sub!
[Overall it's nice to not feel like she can't eat more than half her plate without getting a look - Boxer might be a little self-conscious or otherwise mindful of his appetite but Nariko's grateful for it. It sort of means that her own is nothing on any given day.]
Take your time, savor the experience! [And meanwhile she will enjoy her soup, which is perfect as ever.]
I think I love how almost in love you are with that sub!
[Overall it's nice to not feel like she can't eat more than half her plate without getting a look - Boxer might be a little self-conscious or otherwise mindful of his appetite but Nariko's grateful for it. It sort of means that her own is nothing on any given day.]
Take your time, savor the experience! [And meanwhile she will enjoy her soup, which is perfect as ever.]
I will have to google that because I didn't even think it was a possibility
gunslingerqueen
2016-03-14 04:08 am (UTC)(link)
Poor competition. [Just to clarify.] But they're going to try regardless and while that's cute and I understand where they're coming from, but ...
[But her patience was quite thin, and a little too much pawing or even the slightest hint of discomfort on Boxer's part? There wouldn't be any slapping, her fist would crack some damn teeth real quick.
But wow whose taking up those other two spots, Boxer, do you have other girlfriends Nariko is not aware of.]
We'd really have to look for someone to occasionally take up that spot. And there are certain ways in which I won't share at all.
[Namely emotional, sorry Boxer. It's her or not at all.]
[But her patience was quite thin, and a little too much pawing or even the slightest hint of discomfort on Boxer's part? There wouldn't be any slapping, her fist would crack some damn teeth real quick.
But wow whose taking up those other two spots, Boxer, do you have other girlfriends Nariko is not aware of.]
We'd really have to look for someone to occasionally take up that spot. And there are certain ways in which I won't share at all.
[Namely emotional, sorry Boxer. It's her or not at all.]
[He is a little self-conscious, mostly because he doesn't want to become someone's scene. Especially when he's here on a date, and he's trying to enjoy himself.]
Oh, I am.
[He so is. Sorry he's not one for much conversation while he's stuffing his face. Doesn't mean he's not going to try.]
So, uh--what've you been up to since we last parted?
Oh, I am.
[He so is. Sorry he's not one for much conversation while he's stuffing his face. Doesn't mean he's not going to try.]
So, uh--what've you been up to since we last parted?
[... She really wants that hug so before anything else she goes right into his arms, more than happy to sidle right up onto him now that there's no breathing hazard. If he lets her she'll practically curl herself up on him.]
You don't have to thank me, I kind of want you to breathe! Turns out I really like your voice, and your ability to live.
[She kisses the base of his neck.] I'm sorry, I got a little stupid about it, to be honest.
[And they both know that she did, so he won't do himself any favors pretending it isn't true.] It's just been a weird few days. [But it was more than that, really.] I wanted to be here for you. I know it probably wouldn't have mattered, they make you talk to five million people, the rooms are cramped, everyone's always buzzing around - I swear, there's nothing more mentally exhausting than a police station, or the ME's office. [Although that was more emotionally taxing than anything else.]
But I still wish I'd been here every time you got home. [Just so - just so that he wasn't alone. So she could magically take care of him somehow. This is almost the full extent of her mother henning but she's so tired and done with her own emotional smoke and mirrors that she doesn't care how it makes her look right now.]
You don't have to thank me, I kind of want you to breathe! Turns out I really like your voice, and your ability to live.
[She kisses the base of his neck.] I'm sorry, I got a little stupid about it, to be honest.
[And they both know that she did, so he won't do himself any favors pretending it isn't true.] It's just been a weird few days. [But it was more than that, really.] I wanted to be here for you. I know it probably wouldn't have mattered, they make you talk to five million people, the rooms are cramped, everyone's always buzzing around - I swear, there's nothing more mentally exhausting than a police station, or the ME's office. [Although that was more emotionally taxing than anything else.]
But I still wish I'd been here every time you got home. [Just so - just so that he wasn't alone. So she could magically take care of him somehow. This is almost the full extent of her mother henning but she's so tired and done with her own emotional smoke and mirrors that she doesn't care how it makes her look right now.]
Oh...
[He gives her a stare that makes it really obvious his mental train just came to an emergency stop.]
Is that--is that how you feel? [In general, he means, not just on vacation. The stare quickly becomes something vulnerable, something hurt, as he realizes he might've done something behind Nariko's back that would hurt her, though not intentionally.]
[He gives her a stare that makes it really obvious his mental train just came to an emergency stop.]
Is that--is that how you feel? [In general, he means, not just on vacation. The stare quickly becomes something vulnerable, something hurt, as he realizes he might've done something behind Nariko's back that would hurt her, though not intentionally.]
[He doesn't have to talk while he eats! Some people just like eating, and she's really not above getting lost in all of her thoughts while she enjoys her own meal! They can talk after or just hang out, whatever!]
Work, mostly. [Which is an incredibly boring answer, she knows.]
Best friend duties, and I have to get my locks changed so [A head tilt, here.] that's not exactly fun, I suppose.
Work, mostly. [Which is an incredibly boring answer, she knows.]
Best friend duties, and I have to get my locks changed so [A head tilt, here.] that's not exactly fun, I suppose.
[She's not -- What? What just happened? What's going on? Because it's definitely something.]
Kind of? [This became a weirdly treacherous conversation.] I mean like I said it's not a bad thing, I'm just - y'know, I'm not that big on women most of the time, so ...
[Her answer is off kilter, as if she's suddenly forgotten how to compose whole sentences. She's talking about occasional threesomes, but that can't possibly put such a pained expression on his face.]
Kind of? [This became a weirdly treacherous conversation.] I mean like I said it's not a bad thing, I'm just - y'know, I'm not that big on women most of the time, so ...
[Her answer is off kilter, as if she's suddenly forgotten how to compose whole sentences. She's talking about occasional threesomes, but that can't possibly put such a pained expression on his face.]
[Curl away, Nariko. He'll reciprocate by blanketing her legs with his tentacles, supporting her back with a massive arm, wrapping it around her upper back and resting his hand against her thigh. With two free tentacles, he wheels the both of them back into the kitchen to fetch the flatbread while keeping her in his embrace.]
It's not that big of a mistake when you're willing to make up for it.
[He gives her a little kiss in her damp crown.]
You're here now, and that's what matters.
[And because of it, he already feels a lot better. Less lonely, less objectified in the sense that it felt like all he was really good for was regurgitating the same information over and over again.
He'll let go of his hug around her, but not the tentacles, as he pulls the flatbread from the oven and brings it to the kitchen table. She doesn't even have to get out of his lap, they can just cuddle and eat just like this.
He's not making it easy for an alternative, anyway.]
It's not that big of a mistake when you're willing to make up for it.
[He gives her a little kiss in her damp crown.]
You're here now, and that's what matters.
[And because of it, he already feels a lot better. Less lonely, less objectified in the sense that it felt like all he was really good for was regurgitating the same information over and over again.
He'll let go of his hug around her, but not the tentacles, as he pulls the flatbread from the oven and brings it to the kitchen table. She doesn't even have to get out of his lap, they can just cuddle and eat just like this.
He's not making it easy for an alternative, anyway.]
[She blinks, and tries to work out what he's saying around the scared buzzing in her own head. In the end she manages to put an approximate guess together quite neatly.]
So you've been having sex with other people.
[The whole time.]
So you've been having sex with other people.
[The whole time.]
Sneaking in as many tags as I can right before work is hard
gunslingerqueen
2016-03-14 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[It - of course it hurts. He'd mentioned multiple partners in the beginning, and there was the implication that it was as much of a need as a matter of pleasure ... But she just hadn't really thought about it, the whole time they'd been together.]
Oh. Okay.
[They were - it's not as if they'd even had a talk about being emotionally exclusive which, in all truth, is the more important component here. She shouldn't feel so hurt, or even vaguely stupid for not dating around on her end, too.]
You're still hungry, right? Let's go.
[In any other situation it would be a normal, loving smile - and it is in a sense! There isn't a hint of anger in her expression or body language! But when compared to what they were just talking about her usual cheeriness might seem a bit ... Creepy. Or forced, at least.]
Oh. Okay.
[They were - it's not as if they'd even had a talk about being emotionally exclusive which, in all truth, is the more important component here. She shouldn't feel so hurt, or even vaguely stupid for not dating around on her end, too.]
You're still hungry, right? Let's go.
[In any other situation it would be a normal, loving smile - and it is in a sense! There isn't a hint of anger in her expression or body language! But when compared to what they were just talking about her usual cheeriness might seem a bit ... Creepy. Or forced, at least.]
[But he still sits there, looking like a frightened, caged animal. Boxer's not even entirely sure he remembers how to breathe. The forced cheeriness is just as much an indication that he's in the doghouse as anything else.
He swallows hard, dry.]
M-maybe I should...go.
[Like, go-go. Get off the boat and call it off. After a beat, he starts to crawl his way to the window.
The balcony window.]
He swallows hard, dry.]
M-maybe I should...go.
[Like, go-go. Get off the boat and call it off. After a beat, he starts to crawl his way to the window.
The balcony window.]
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